Kanye West Threatens to Boycott Louis Vuitton

Producer and rap star Kanye West has launched another public tantrum, this time against luxury handbag, clothing and accessory design house Louis Vuitton.

The influential, outspoken hip-hop recording artist said he is displeased with the fashion line’s lack of diversity and considers their pricing “ridiculous.”

West took to the air-waves Nov. 25 on 92.3 NOW in New York to not only voice his frustrations but to persuade consumers and his fans not to purchase Louis Vuitton products because the luxury brand decided not to work with him.

“Everybody in New York City right now, don’t buy any Louis Vuitton until after January,” West said in an interview with 92.3 NOW. “Now do you want to meet with me?”

West, 36, said he was in Paris and wanted to meet with Vice President Yves Carcelle, the head of Louis Vuitton, but Carcelle declined. West claimed Carcelle said, “I don’t understand why we need to meet with you.”

When the rapper entered the rap scene he was known as “Mr. Louis Vuitton,” always seen wearing signature Louis Vuitton backpacks, hats and accessories.

“Influence. They think that I don’t realize my power. They want to marginalize me,” West said.

In September, he slammed high-end fashion house Fendi for rejecting his leather jogging pant idea.

West, who is trying to get a sneaker contract, initially faced setbacks on that front. He tried to strike a deal with Nike but the shoe manufacturer declined to offer him royalties for his Yeezus collection because he isn’t a professional athlete.

Adidas has agreed to his terms, and West is on his way to create his sneaker collection.

“I am going to be the Tupac of product,” he said. “I’m going to be the first hip-hop designer and because of that I’m going to be bigger than Wal-Mart.”